Bandipur’s Revival: From Trade Hub to Tourist Haven

Perched on a scenic hilltop in Tanahun district, Bandipur has undergone a remarkable transformation from a once-deserted trade hub to a thriving tourist destination. Once a bustling center for trade between India and Tibet, the town saw a sharp decline after the Tanahun district headquarters was relocated to Damauli in 1968. However, thanks to dedicated local efforts, Bandipur has reclaimed its charm, drawing visitors from across Nepal and beyond.

A Story of Resilience and Reinvention

Gehendra Kayastha, a ninth-generation resident of Bandipur whose ancestors migrated from Bhaktapur, recalls the difficult years when many families left the town, leading to a steep decline in business and community life. While his children have moved abroad for work and studies, Kayastha and his wife chose to stay, running a homestay and a small grocery store.

“I enjoy preparing traditional home-cooked meals for visitors. My wife and I are over 50, but we find joy in hosting guests and sharing the revived spirit of Bandipur,” he said.

Similarly, Raju Pradhan, a sixth-generation resident, has rented out his ancestral home for hotel operations while frequently visiting Bandipur. Though he appreciates the town’s revival, he worries about the continued outmigration of the younger generation despite its newfound vibrancy.

The Turning Point: Bandipur’s Revival Efforts

The key to Bandipur’s revival was the introduction of homestay tourism in 2008. Although Kayastha started his homestay in 2018, he now welcomes domestic and international tourists, offering them authentic Newari cuisine.

Much of Bandipur’s revitalization can be credited to the efforts of intellectuals such as the late Dr. Mathura Prasad Shrestha, Chij Kumar Shrestha, Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Dr. Madan Kumar Piya, senior advocate Kushum Shrestha (late), and bureaucrat Jivan Kumar Shrestha. Their establishment of the Bandipur Development Committee in 1992 marked a crucial milestone, leading to infrastructure improvements such as better roads, hospitals, drinking water facilities, and higher education institutions.

Further boosting its tourism potential, the Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project was launched between 2005 and 2006, helping to preserve the town’s traditional charm while attracting visitors.

Trade Hub to Tourist Paradise

Bandipur’s commercial downfall was largely due to its location being left out of the Prithvi Highway’s direct trade route. However, this shift in fortune ultimately paved the way for tourism.

“Convincing locals to maintain the town’s original architecture and implement a vehicle-free policy in the main bazaar was challenging at first,” said educationist Bikram Piya. “But as tourists started appreciating Bandipur’s preserved heritage, the community gradually embraced the vision.”

Today, the town discourages the use of modern construction materials to maintain its historical aesthetic. Interestingly, while Bandipur’s Newari traders once had to speak Gurung to conduct business, today, English has become essential for hosting foreign guests.

Bandipur’s success has drawn interest from other settlements seeking similar revitalization. “I was invited to Bhimphedi in Makwanpur district to share insights on how Bandipur’s model could be replicated,” Piya shared.

A Must-Visit Destination

Situated at an altitude of 1,030 meters, Bandipur offers breathtaking views, including a famous sunrise point above the town. The Mini Great Wall, Siddha Gupha, Khadga Devi Temple, Gurungche Hill, Mukundeshwori, and the historic football ground are among the top attractions for visitors.

Foreign and domestic tourists alike are drawn to its beauty. Ella Rowdon, a traveler from abroad, expressed her admiration for Bandipur, saying, “I love walking through villages, mountains, and hills. I’ll definitely return.”

Likewise, Jamuna Malla from Pokhara, visiting with a cooperative group, encouraged others to experience Bandipur, calling it “a must-visit destination.”

Currently, Bandipur Rural Municipality is celebrating Bandipur Visit Year 2025 to promote its rich cultural heritage and economic development. With over 60 hotels ranging from budget-friendly lodgings to homestays, the town is well-equipped to accommodate visitors looking to immerse themselves in its history and hospitality.

After years of decline, Bandipur has successfully reinvented itself, proving that with vision and community effort, heritage can be preserved and transformed into an asset for the future.